Girdwood Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Girdwood, Alaska with our ultimate travel guide. Explore the best things to do, where to stay, places to visit, hikes, and more.


Ultimate Girdwood Travel Guide

Located in Southcentral Alaska, Girdwood is a small town that is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and vast outdoor activities. Once a mining town, Girdwood is now a skiing destination and a hub for exploration of the surrounding wilderness. In this ultimate Girdwood travel guide, we will help you plan your trip and explore the best things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Girdwood

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums & Historical Places

Girdwood is home to several museums and historical places that provide insights into the town’s rich history and local culture.

  • Crow Creek Mine: Located at the foot of the Chugach Mountains and overlooking the Turnagain Arm, Crow Creek Mine is a restored gold mine that offers a glimpse into the lives of the miners who worked there. Visitors can explore the site, try their hand at panning for gold, and even take a guided tour.

  • Alaska Native Heritage Center: The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a cultural museum that celebrates the indigenous communities of Alaska. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the local people through exhibits, live performances, and interactive demonstrations.

Natural Attractions of Girdwood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Girdwood is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and fishing, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in the surrounding wilderness.

  • Alyeska Resort: Alyeska Resort is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, it offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Alaska, with over 76 runs and a vertical drop of 2,500 feet. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

  • Glacier Valley Transit: The Glacier Valley Transit is a shuttle service that provides transportation to some of Girdwood’s most popular hiking and biking trails, including Crow Pass Trail, Winner Creek Trail, and Iditarod Trail.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Girdwood

Girdwood has a vast network of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and forests.

  • Winner Creek Trail: Winner Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors through a beautiful gorge and across a hand tram over a rushing creek. The trail is relatively easy and family-friendly, with a length of just over 3 miles.

  • Crow Pass Trail: For the more adventurous visitors, Crow Pass Trail offers a challenging day hike along the historic Iditarod Trail. The trail is 21 miles long, passes through beautiful alpine scenery, and ends at the picturesque Eagle River Nature Center.

Best Things to Do in Girdwood: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and skiing, there are plenty of other activities and tours to experience in Girdwood.

  • Wildlife Conservation Center: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals, with a focus on the native wildlife of Alaska. Visitors can take guided tours, observe animals up close, and learn about the conservation efforts of the center.

  • Helicopter Tours: For a bird’s eye view of the surrounding wilderness, visitors can take a guided helicopter tour. Helicopter tours typically include scenic flights over glaciers, fjords, and mountains, as well as landings on remote areas for exploration.

Week-Long Itinerary for Girdwood

Day 1: Arrive in Girdwood and explore the town and local shops.

Day 2: Take a scenic drive down Turnagain Arm, stopping at viewpoints and Anchorage along the way.

Day 3: Experience the best skiing or snowboarding at Alyeska Resort.

Day 4: Take a wildlife tour at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Day 5: Enjoy a hike on one of Girdwood’s popular trails, such as Winner Creek Trail.

Day 6: Take a guided helicopter tour for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Day 7: Relax and explore the Girdwood food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Girdwood

Girdwood has a small but thriving food and drink scene that showcases the flavors of Alaska.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh Seafood: Being located on the coast, Girdwood is famous for its fresh seafood. Popular options include salmon, halibut, and crab.

  • Reindeer Sausage: This local delicacy is often found at food trucks and street vendors throughout the town.

Local Beverages

  • Alaskan Beer: The craft brewery scene is strong in Alaska, and Girdwood is no exception. Try the local beers from Girdwood Brewing Company, Double Shovel Cider Co., Kenai River Brewing, and others.

  • Glacier Meltwater: Glacier Meltwater is a premium water brand that comes from glaciers in the Prince William Sound.

Where to Stay in Girdwood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Girdwood offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

  • Hotel Alyeska: Hotel Alyeska is the most popular hotel in Girdwood, offering luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining options, and access to the Alyeska Resort slopes.

  • Girdwood Hostel: For budget-conscious travelers, Girdwood Hostel offers affordable dorm-style rooms, communal lounge areas, and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Girdwood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Artwork and Crafts: Local artisans sell handmade crafts and artwork that reflect the local culture and landscape.

  • Alaska Honey: Girdwood is home to several honey farms that produce high-quality honey from the local wildflowers.

Local Culture and Customs of Girdwood

Girdwood has a rich history and is home to several native cultures. Visitors are encouraged to learn about these cultures and customs through museums, local events, and interactions with locals.

Best Time to Visit Girdwood

The best time to visit Girdwood depends on the traveler’s preferences. Winter-based activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, are popular from November to April. Summer, from June to August, is great for hiking, biking, and wildlife tours.

Do’s and Don’ts of Girdwood

Do:

  • Respect the local wilderness and wildlife by following Leave No Trace principles.

  • Take advantage of the stunning scenery by going on hikes, scenic drives and participating in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the local environment.

  • Approach wildlife too closely.

Safety and Health

Safety in Girdwood

Like any other destination, Girdwood has some safety concerns, including the hazards associated with hiking in the wilderness. Visitors are encouraged to follow best practices for hikes and outdoor activities, including carrying bear spray, dressing appropriately, and informing someone of their planned route.

Health in Girdwood

Girdwood has access to quality healthcare facilities and emergency services. Travelers are always advised to obtain adequate travel insurance and seek medical care in case of an emergency.

Getting to Girdwood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Girdwood

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the closest international airport, located approximately 40 minutes north of Girdwood.

Bus Stations Near Girdwood

Alaska Bus Company operates daily buses from Anchorage to Girdwood.

Other Options

Uber and Lyft are not readily available in Girdwood, and renting a car is recommended for getting around the town and surrounding wilderness.

How to Get Around in Girdwood

Renting a car is the best option for getting around Girdwood and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Girdwood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Anchorage: Anchorage is located less than an hour’s drive north of Girdwood and offers plenty of urban attractions, such as museums, shopping and dining options.

  • Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park is a 2.5-hour drive south of Girdwood and offers stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.

Conclusion

Girdwood is a small town that punches well above its weight in terms of natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip, with tips on the best things to do, where to stay, and local customs to keep in mind.